Saskatoon's Soda Stop Serves Creamy Mocktails with a Unique Twist
In the heart of Saskatoon, a unique beverage trend is bubbling up at Soda Stop, where owners Kentucky and Krista Davidson are redefining the soft drink experience. This innovative shop serves up "dirty soda," a creamy mocktail creation that combines fountain soda with flavored syrups and cream, all served over distinctive pebble ice. Since opening last July from a pink trailer and later moving to a storefront at Gather Local Market in November, the business has quickly become a local sensation, drawing crowds and strong sales in the downtown area.
The Rise of Dirty Soda in Saskatoon
The concept of dirty soda, which originated in Utah, has been catching on throughout Canada and the United States. At Soda Stop, it involves a base of pop like Coke or Pepsi, enhanced with syrups such as cherry, vanilla, or coconut, and finished with creamers like coconut or vanilla to create that signature "dirty" texture. Kentucky Davidson explains, "If you were just to put syrups into a pop, it's not dirty soda; it's just flavored pop. The creamer is what makes it dirty." This trend has led to a surge in similar shops across Canada, with Soda Stop at the forefront in Saskatoon.
From Alberta Roots to Saskatoon Success
Born and raised in Alberta, the Davidsons moved to Saskatoon last year to launch Soda Stop, inspired by the popularity of pop shops in their home province. Kentucky notes, "We knew there wasn't anything like that here, so we took a chance and moved out here to build this business." With backgrounds in construction, sales, and retail, the couple embraced the risk, driven by the confidence from seeing how busy similar establishments are in Alberta, even during winter months.
Popular Creations and Seasonal Menus
Soda Stop's menu features a variety of hits, but the standout bestseller is Sipping on Fire, a Dr Pepper-based drink with raspberry syrup, coconut syrup, fresh lime, and coconut creamer. Kentucky shares, "The combination of raspberry, coconut, and coconut cream is just super, super popular." Other favorites include:
- Cowgirl Soda: Coke base with raspberry vanilla, fresh lime, and vanilla creamer.
- Orange Creamsicle: Sprite with orange syrup and vanilla creamer.
The shop also introduces seasonal menus, such as a fall lineup and winter Christmas drinks, which have been well-received, though Sipping on Fire remains the top choice among customers.
A Growing Trend with Local Impact
Since its inception, Soda Stop has experienced significant demand, with lineups stretching across the parking lot during its early days. The move to Gather Local Market has only bolstered its presence, contributing to the growing trend of dirty soda shops in Canada. As Kentucky reflects, "People have loved it so far," highlighting the shop's role in bringing a unique, creamy mocktail experience to Saskatoon's vibrant food and beverage scene.
